WHAT'S NEW!? #20 - VILLACH IN NOVEMBER 2022

The team of welcome2villach collects the most important news from Villach's city life every month in a compact "News Story" with links to further information. In November, we look forward to the imminent start of Villach Advent, introduce Carinthia's first pet food bank, and give an overview of all upcoming events this month.
 

• Those who find it difficult to shop due to high inflation, can now count not only on the help of Villach's social market, but in the future also on Carinthia's first Tiertafel. Starting in December, pet food for dogs, cats, and rodents will be available there every third Saturday of the month. All information can be found on the website of the volunteer team around Johanna Luggauer, Gabriele Goldynia and Lara Montiel.  
   
• With more than 150,000 guests in the summer half-year, the Dobratsch Nature Park is one of Carinthia's top 5 excursion destinations. Only recently, the barrier-free Skywalk was opened, which also allows people with limited mobility to enjoy the view of the Rote Wand, the Karawanken and the Julian Alps. With the start of the winter season (December 1), the environmentally friendly Nature Park Winter Bus will, once again, operate four times a day and five times a week between Villach and Dobratsch.
   
• On November 18, the Villach Advent opens and even if the city is saving energy this year, nothing will certainly be saved in terms of atmosphere. The varied program guarantees shining eyes for young and old. At 6 p.m. the opening program with Advent starts with the switching on of the Christmas lights on the Upper Church Square. Before that, the well-known children's book author and Villach WinderWunderWald creator Thomas Brezina will read from a children's Bible in the town parish church. Advent will then be opened by Mayor Günther Albel, Thomas Brezina, and children from Villach's kindergartens and elementary schools. Furthermore, program points in the Villacher Advent are the large Krampuslauf on December 2, the traditional Bauernadvent on December 18, the children's carousel and the children's procession on the Hauptplatz (daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), pony rides on the Unterer Kirchenplatz (Thursday to Sunday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.), the ice skating rink on the Rathausplatz, and many other program points.

• Due to the currently very high energy costs, the topic of energy saving is naturally on everyone's lips. That is why the city of Villach is now offering free advice from experts at the new energy consultation hour. Every second Tuesday of the month, in the city hall, help is available. The appointments last 15 minutes each and can be booked online at villach.at/termine.
   
• The city abolishes the dog tax for the next two years and thus gives an incentive to get a dog from the animal shelter. Because the animal shelter is bursting at the seams, with around 150 animals waiting for a new home, more than ever before. If you want to get to know the animals at the Villach animal shelter, you can find all the information here. 
   
• The cemeteries of the city of Villach are not only a final resting place, but also well-kept parks, art sites, and habitats for plants and animals. That's why the city offers guided cemetery walks, where on the one hand you can learn about the special flora and fauna as well as historical facts about the Forest Cemetery, and on the other hand you get exclusive access to the artworks of Carinthian artists Valentin Oman and Giselbert Hoke at the Villach Forest and Central Cemetery on November 1 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The walks with Austria Guide Elisabeth Fojan will take place on Oct. 31, starting at 11 a.m., and on Nov. 2, also starting at 11 a.m.

• The Corona campaign "mit VEREINten Kräften" of the city is a complete success. Since the beginning of August, the education and vaccination campaign has been running and Villach has gotten the Villach clubs on board by providing advertising space for the clubs. There is money for these advertising spaces, just as the city would have to pay for advertisements in classic media. This is a win-win situation for everyone, because it puts the campaign right in the middle of the population and the clubs, which have suffered badly from the pandemic, receive money. So far, more than 100 Villach associations have taken part, and interested parties can still register here. 
   
• Villach's Topothek, a virtual collection of pictures, maps, video, and audio recordings, is set to grow. Therefore, the Museum of the City of Villach and six Topothekar:innen call on the people of Villach to share their private pictures and video recordings with the museum. Whether it is a visit to the church festival, building a house, or a trip to the Dobratsch - those responsible are happy to receive pictures from days gone by. More information is available from the Museum of the City of Villach. 
   
• The city again offers a flu vaccination campaign. Every Thursday (8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.), you can get vaccinated at City Hall, as long as you make an appointment in advance online or by phone. Cost: 22 euros. In addition, please bring your e-card, an FFP2 mask and your vaccination card.